Kimi Antonelli hailed in Bologna after clinching Formula 1 world title in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli clinched the Formula 1 world championship in Mexico, an achievement reported on 2026-11-02, and has returned to widespread celebration in his native Bologna. The 20-year-old's success has prompted local tributes from friends, former racers and restaurant owners who say he remains part of the community.

Manuel Fantini, owner of Galliano Park near Forlì, recalled first seeing Antonelli in a go-kart at age six and said the family-run track — owned by the Fantinis for almost 30 years — had to adapt a kart because the youngster could not reach the throttle or brake. Fantini told BBC Sport: "When I first saw him, I said: 'Mamma mia, chi diavolo è questo?' In English that means, 'Oh Mama, who the hell is this one?'" He described Antonelli improving with every lap and being faster than others despite a slower kart. Fantini, a former racer, added: "His priority was being better - not being faster," and said, "That is the key in motorsport to be a champion. Everyone thinks you must be fast, but the approach of Kimi is the correct approach. He had something immediately in his veins that was not normal. If you're only fast, you can hurt yourself or make mistakes."

Fantini said he felt pride at having played a small role in Antonelli's development and believed the driver's success would lift Italy and, more particularly, the people of Bologna, where Antonelli was born and still visits regularly. He said: "I am very proud of him," and added: "And I'm very proud of his parents because the most difficult thing nowadays is when you have so much talent, to keep the kid safe and with humility. I see the same incredible person. He is so natural, so funny and good as a kid. But when he puts on the helmet… pay attention."

The season included a dramatic triumph at Monza, where Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th on the grid, and images from that weekend showed him eating tagliatelle al ragu from his winner's trophy, a nod to his Bolognese roots. The title in Mexico ended a 73-year wait for an Italian Formula 1 drivers' champion, a fact noted in local and national conversation.

In Bologna city centre, about an hour from Forlì, Antonelli is known to dine at Trattoria dal Biassanot; owner Luca Bugamelli said of the driver: "Kimi is just one of us. We've known Kimi since he was a child. He comes here with his father, mother and sister and there's a lot of moments we eat at the same table. This region loves motorsport. Kimi is the God of the land." Bugamelli's comments underline the familiarity many local residents say they feel with Antonelli.

Antonelli's place on Mercedes, described in the piece as the German-owned Mercedes team, has produced a split among Italian fans at traditional venues such as Monza, where support divided between Ferrari and Antonelli. A Bologna resident identified as Paolo, wearing a Ferrari-emblazoned jumper, said: "I had some friends that went to Monza - and probably for the first time in the history, the crowd is split for Ferrari and Kimi," and added: "Kimi walks around the city sometimes. He'll go to the stadium to watch Bologna Football Club. He's very integrated in the city. I saw him last month in a bar."

The article also noted Antonelli's appeal beyond long-standing motorsport followers, crediting a substantial social media presence with attracting non-aficionados, while local shopfronts and billboards had yet to be saturated with his image. A 20-year-old student, Somaya, said: "I feel very proud that a person from these streets could be so famous and win so many things," adding: "It makes me feel proud to be from here. It's inspiring."

Antonelli clinched the world title in Mexico as Max Verstappen won the race, bringing an end to a 73-year gap since an Italian secured the Formula 1 drivers' championship and prompting widespread celebration in his home region.